The Air Force Thunderbirds will not be making an appearance locally this summer as the 104th Fighter Wing has cancelled the Westfield International Air Show.  The fighter jet ballet in the sky was scheduled for the weekend of August 14th and 15th at Barnes Air National Guard Base according to an article posted at News Break.

The Air Show and Open House at the Barnes Air National Guard Base was cancelled due to COVID-19.  The article quotes Maj. Stephen Mindek as stating “Here at the 104th Fighter Wing, the health and safety of our community and our Barnes customers is our top priority.  We understand what the Air Show means to the 104th and the surrounding communities; making the decision to cancel this community event was difficult but necessary. Thank you for your unwavering support of the 104th Fighter Wing. We look forward to the next opportunity that we can safely host another Air Show and Open House here.”

Typically, the Thunderbirds perform all over the country each year.  There were at least 26 events already scheduled this year including two in New England in Westfield and in Portsmouth New Hampshire.  The air demonstration is one of precision  flying wingtip to wingtip during the sharply choreographed exhibition in the Air Force’s premier fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon according to the Thunderbirds website.  .

The Thunderbirds have the privilege and responsibility to perform for people all around the world, displaying the pride, precision and professionalism of American Airmen. In every hour-long demonstration, the team combines years of training and experience with an attitude of excellence to showcase what the Air Force is all about according to the Thunderbirds website..

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